by Jacob Chance
“I could have others doing all the grunt work.”
I nod. “You could.”
“Do I ever ask you to pick up anything for me?” Marshall grins smugly.
“Nope.”
“Then fuck off with that shit. I’ll see you back at the house.”
Chapter Eighteen
Shaw
Music thunders from the house as I head up the walkway. It’s amazing the neighbors don’t call the cops on us whenever we have a party. We’ve been lucky so far, but tonight seems louder than ever. It could have something to do with me wanting some quiet time with Maddie. It would be nice to talk some more and maybe work through some of our baggage from the past.
Instead, we’ll have to struggle to hear one another. It’s not all bad, though, at least I’ll get to be with her.
Once I’m inside, I strip off my winter hat and coat as I move toward my room. I throw them on my bed and lock the door on the way out. I learned what it’s like unexpectedly waking up with someone else once before, and since then I’ve always made sure it’s never going to happen again.
I find a cold beer in the kitchen and grab a lukewarm slice of pepperoni pizza. I shove half in my mouth in one bite and groan when the flavor hits my tastebuds. Swallowing it down, my stomach rumbles in appreciation.
“Hi.” I feel a soft touch on my arm and turn to find Maddie next to me.
“Hey.” I beam at her. I can’t even pretend to be cool anymore where she’s concerned. “I’m glad you came. Can I grab you anything? Beer? Pizza?” I hold my slice up in front of her lips and she leans forward, taking a small bite.
“Mmm, so good.” She licks her lips. An onslaught of images barrage my mind—memories of what her tongue felt like rubbing and caressing mine.
“Want another?” I encourage her.
“Sure.” She bites off a bigger chunk this time. My gaze falls to her lips. I could watch her eat my pizza all night long.
And anything else she wants to put in her mouth.
“Stop watching me eat.” She lets out an awkward little laugh.
“But you’re so damn cute. I can’t help myself.”
“It’s your turn to take a bite. I think it’s only fair that I get to watch you eat.” She places her hands on her denim wrapped hips and tries to look stern.
“Works for me.” I shrug. “I’m starving.” I fold the slice in half and tear off a large chunk with my teeth. Maddie watches my mouth, as if she’s captivated by my chewing. Is she remembering what our kisses felt like? Does she miss them as much as I do?
She shakes her head slightly, like she’s snapping herself out of a daydream. “I’m gonna grab a slice of my own.” She moves across the kitchen before I can reply.
Checking out the rest of the partygoers, I don’t see Marshall anywhere. I feel relieved that I’ll have more time with Maddie. I don’t know when the next opportunity to be with her will present itself.
She returns with a slice of pizza on a napkin.
“Want me to heat that up for you?”
“No, thanks. I like pizza at all temperatures. It’s always delicious.”
“I agree.”
Should I ask her to do something this weekend?
Christ, I’ve never been this nervous around another girl in my entire life. Whatever game I’ve had with other girls, is nonexistent with Maddie. I feel like a bumbling fool who’s lost his touch.
“Is something wrong?” Maddie questions.
“What? Oh, no. I was just thinking.”
“What’s on your mind?”
“Tomorrow, I’m getting a puppy.” I wasn’t thinking about this, but it’s the perfect thing to mention.
“You are?” Her eyes open unbelievably wide. “I love puppies. Can you have one at the frat?”
“Yeah, we’ve got an in with the dean.” I laugh. “One of the former Terrier players on the football team is in a relationship with his daughter. Would you like to come with me when I go pick him up? ”
“Him?”
“Yep, it’s a he.”
“What kind?”
“Guess.”
She taps her mouth with a bright pink tipped finger. “Labrador?”
“No way.”
“Bulldog?”
“Really?” I scoff. “You’re overthinking this. What team do I play for?”
“You’re getting a Boston Terrier?” she squeals.
“I sure am. Are you coming with me or what?”
She bounces up and down on the balls of her feet. “Hell yes. I can’t wait to see him.”
“I’ll pick you up at eleven sharp. It’s about a thirty minute drive to the breeder’s.”
“I can’t wait.” Her excitement is obvious.
“Me either.” Tomorrow will be one more chance to make her realize we still belong together.
“Hey, guys.” Clover walks over with a red cup in her hand. “Great game.” She nudges my arm.
“Thanks. It was a tough one, but we got the win in the end.”
“Those are the most exciting games to watch,” Maddie interjects.
“To watch, yes. To play, not so much.” I laugh.
“Hey, Maddie,” Ava calls out as she and Oliver approach.
“Hi.” Maddie smiles.
“Hey, how’s B.U. treating you?” Oliver inquires.
“So far, I’m really enjoying being here.”
“I thought that was you at the game tonight, but we were too far apart for me to get your attention,” Ava tells her.
“Yeah, our being there was kind of last minute.”
“Next time you want to go, let me know and I’ll make sure we’re all seated together,” Ava instructs.
“Sounds good. I don’t know how often I’ll be making it to games, though.”
She’s not planning on coming to all the games? Damn. I was hoping she enjoyed it so much she’d be there consistently.
Marshall waltzes over. “Sis, what are you doing here?”
Maddie looks at him coolly. “Do I know you?”
“Ha ha, very funny. Answer the question, Maddie.” He sounds like an overbearing jerk.
I hold my hand up. “Ease up, man. She’s not doing anything wrong. I’ve been here the whole time and she hasn’t even had a sip of beer.”
Maddie’s lips quirk in a hint of a smile, letting me know she appreciates me sticking up for her.
Marshall looks at me, his eyes narrowing. “Why are you defending her? She’s like a little sister to you too.”
“No, dude. She’s your sister, not mine. And she’s not a little girl anymore.” I stay calm.
“I know how old she is.” He’s annoyed.
“Then you should treat her like you do.”
He stares at me for what feels like an eternity, and I wonder if we’re going to have a problem. We’ve never come to blows about anything before, but I’m willing to for Maddie. He finally relents with a slow nod.
“Point taken.” He turns to Maddie. “I’m sorry. I’m trying to be a good older brother, but I guess I’m getting carried away.”
Clover harrumphs. “Ya think?”
“It’s okay. You can ease up, though. I’m a big girl.” Maddie smiles at Marshall and he pulls her in for a hug. When they part, Marshall says, “I love you, little sister.”
“I know you do.” Her eyes look glassy, like she’s about to cry.
“You guys are so sweet,” Ava gushes.
“Yeah, they're adorable,” Oliver’s sarcasm can’t be missed. “Maddie, I feel for you having this asshat for an older brother.” He punches Marshall on the arm.
Maddie laughs. “Now that the night has become unbearably awkward, I think it’s time to make my exit.”
“If embarrassing you gets you to leave, I’ll just use that method from now on,” Marshall jests.
Maddie flips him the bird. “I hope you all enjoy the rest of your night. We’re going to get out of here before my ears suffer permanent damage.” She references the blaring
music we have to talk over.
I’m about to offer to walk them out when Marshall steps in, foiling my plan. He escorts them both toward the front door while I watch.
Oliver nudges my arm, drawing my attention his way. “You’ve got it bad, Shaw.”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, please,” Ava cuts in. “You like Maddie.”
“I’ve known her most of my life. Of course I like her.”
“You can play it off all you want, but you’re not fooling us,” Ava sets me straight.
I sigh.“Is it really that obvious?”
“Not to Marshall.” Oliver chuckles.
“Good. I haven’t had a chance to speak with him yet.”
He pats me on the back twice. “Tell me when you plan to and I’ll be there to make sure he doesn’t murder you and bury your body somewhere.”
“You think he’ll be that angry?” I ask.
“You won’t know for sure until you find out.” Ava makes a good point. “If she’s important to you, then you should bring it up with him before he notices. That would be sure to make him want to kick your ass.”
I nod thoughtfully as I think about every point they’ve brought up. I’ll speak with Marshall sometime this weekend. Even if Maddie doesn’t want to be more than friends, I’ll feel less conflicted if I get my confession over with.
Chapter Nineteen
Shaw
I’m waiting in my truck at the curb when Maddie leaves her building.
“Good morning,” I announce when she climbs inside.
She smiles at me. “It’s a great day to get a puppy.”
“I brought you coffee.” I point to the cup holder.
“Oh my God. You’re a lifesaver. I didn’t get to have any this morning. It was either take a shower or have coffee.” She laughs. “I’m sorry if that was more information than you needed.”
“You can tell me anything you’d like to.” I’m trying my best not to allow my brain to think about her naked and wet in her shower.
“How are your parents doing?” she questions.
“They’re good. Dad’s business is thriving.”
“Are you going to join him or are you going to work for another architectural firm?”
“I’ll probably do an internship with another firm just to see what it’s like. But there’s no way that I won’t be joining my dad’s company. It’s a family business, and I love the tradition behind that. I want to see it passed down to any kids that I have too.”
“You want kids?” She sounds surprised.
“Of course.”
“It’s a fair question. Especially at our age. Some people don’t want kids or they’re too young to realize they do.”
“I’ve always known that I want to be a father.”
“That’s probably because you’re so close to your own.”
“I definitely lucked out in that department. What about you? Have you thought about whether you want kids or not?”
“I think I do, but I didn’t have a great role model on how to be a mom. What if I suck at it and screw the kids up?”
“You won’t. You’re too loving and kind to suck at it, and your own situation with your mom might give you extra insight.” Maddie confided in me when we were together that her mother always chooses Marshall over her. At first, I thought she was exaggerating, but I’ve since witnessed it for myself. And I’ve also seen the devastation on Maddie’s face when her mom gets in one of her nitpicking moods.
“I hope so. I know I don’t want to be like her.”
“What do you think I should name the puppy?” I ask to change the conversation. Today is about enjoying ourselves. What says fun more than getting a puppy?
“I’m not sure.” She sips her coffee. “What about Terry?”
“Terry the terrier?” I laugh.
“Ookay, maybe not. What do you think of Tank?”
“It does sound tough, I’ll give you that.”
“What about Boston? He’s a Boston Terrier and…” she pauses for a dramatic moment, “you’re a student at Boston University.”
“Ba dum tss.” I drum against the steering wheel. “It’s not bad.”
“It’s not good either.” She sighs. “Give me a few minutes to think about this. I need the coffee to kick in first. My brain might still be half asleep and this is a serious decision. You can’t be hasty choosing his name. After all, he is going to have it his entire life. We don’t want him to cringe every time you call for him.”
“Do dogs cringe?” My amused gaze lands on her briefly. “I’m not sure he’ll know the difference.” She tsks. “Of course he will.”
My gaze sweeps back her way for a quick fix, and then I pay attention to the road once more. Looking at her is like a shot of adrenaline to my heart and I can’t get enough of the energized feeling. Her beguiling face is like a drug I can’t get enough of. I need to calm down and keep my eyes on the road, or I’ll be sporting a boner soon. Time to redirect my focus. “If you could pick your own name right now, would you change it?”
“Hmm, that’s an interesting question.” She’s silent for so long I think she may not answer. “No, I wouldn’t change my name. My parents gave it to me and it’s the only one I’ve known.”
I smile. “You look like a Maddie.”
“What exactly does a Maddie look like?”
“She’s petite, about five-foot-four, has shiny, golden blonde hair, and her eyes are a stunning blue.”
“I feel like I should thank you for describing me so favorably, but that would be weird.” She releases a nervous laugh that sounds like a hiccup. “What about you? Would you change your name?”
“When I was a kid, I disliked Shaw because it was different. And of course there were a few assholes who made fun of me. But now I like that it’s original, and I wouldn’t change it.”
I feel her gaze on the side of my face. “I can’t imagine your name being anything else. I think it’s pretty cool that I’ve never met anyone besides you named Shaw. Is it a family name?”
“It was my dad’s choice. Shaw was his mother’s maiden name and he thought it would make a unique first name.”
“He was right,” she states.
“We’re not too far from the kennel now. Any luck thinking of a name for the pup?”
“Oh man, I feel pressured. This is your dog and you have no suggestions?”
“What can I say? I suck at this stuff.”
“Well, he’s always going to be small, so what if you call him Buddy? You know like, ‘hey, little buddy.’”
Buddy. “I like that. He is going to be my best friend after all.”
“Your best bud,” she corrects, sniggering.
“You’re right. It is fitting.”
“Right?”
“Buddy it is.” Reaching over, gently and briefly, I squeeze her knee. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Pulling into the kennel driveway, I park my truck and shut down the engine. I glance at Maddie excitedly. “Ready?”
“I should probably ask you that, since you’re about to become a doggy daddy.” She smiles wide.
“I don't know if I’m ready for this or not. But it seems like one of those things that you couldn’t truly be prepared for. I’m just gonna jump in head first and hope for the best “
“The fact that you’ve been waiting for this puppy for weeks probably means you’re prepared. You’ve had a lot of time to mull it over.”
“I have. Plus, for as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted a dog. My parents never wanted to deal with training a puppy, and they weren’t home enough with their busy jobs.”
“How are you going to swing taking him out during the day?”
“I’ve got breaks between most of my classes, and the guys at the frat said they’d help out too.”
“I’m happy to take him for a walk too. I love dogs.”
“Let’s get in there and see my boy.” I grab her hand, lead
ing her toward the entrance. I know my smile is ridiculously large. I can’t contain my excitement. Between getting Buddy and spending time with Maddie, I might burst.
I check in at the front desk, and while a tech goes to grab Buddy, another one goes over his eating and walking schedule with me. She hands me a long list of supplies I’ll need to pick up, and I begin to feel unsure if I’m capable of handling this responsibility.
When she heads off to help someone else, Maddie places her hand on my arm.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m just having last minute jitters. I’m hoping having a puppy won’t be too much with school and hockey.”
“You’ll find a way to manage. I told you I’ll help out. You might be sorry when you see how often I’m going to want to visit Buddy.”
Impossible. If all it takes to see more of her is getting a puppy, maybe I should get two.
“Here’s your little guy.” The tech approaches, holding Buddy. Wrapped in a blanket, all I can see is his little black and white head peeking out.
“Oh, Shaw. He’s so adorable,” Maddie squeals.
The tech hands him over and I kiss the top of his soft head. He wiggles around, turning his head to and fro trying to see me. “Hey, Buddy. What’s up, little guy?”
“Oh my God. I can’t take all this cuteness,” Maddie announces, then uses her phone camera to snap pics of us. “Now you’ll be able to remember this moment always.” She holds her phone up showing me the screen.
Opening my eyes wide, I joke, “He looks like me, don’t you think?”
She giggles. “As long as he doesn’t act like you.”
“Hey,” I protest. Buddy nudges my hand, signaling he wants to be petted. Of course, I oblige him. “What do you say I take you to your new home, Budman?”
Maddie laughs.
“What?” I question.
“I never thought I’d see the day where I got to hear Shaw Masters baby talk.”
I half shrug so I don’t jostle Buddy. “What can I say? I think I’m in love with this little guy already.”
Maddie looks from me to Buddy and back to me, smiling. “I’d say it’s mutual.”